Patients’ Communication with Nurses: Relational Communication and Preferred Nurse Behaviors

Abstract

Communication between a nurse and a patient is a shared process that forms the basis for the professional relationship that is foundational for enhancing patient care and affecting patient outcomes. Both hermeneutical and descriptive methodologies were used to examine nurse-patient communication dimensions and identify patient-preferred nurse behaviors. Patients in three age groups participated in an interview and survey questionnaire. Use of the Nurse-Patient Communication Assessment Tool recognized a one-dimension model of patient-nurse relational communication comprised of calm, comfortable, caring, interested, sincere, accepting, and respectful. Responses to the Health Communication Interview questionnaire identified preferred behaviors patients want and expect from nurses as caring, warm/friendly, professional, competent, empathy, listens, and honest/sincere.